Golf practice apparatus

ABSTRACT

A golf practice apparatus includes a first frame member that defines a first catch area, and a second frame member connected to the first frame member, the second frame member defining a second catch area. A canopy includes a support member connected to the first and second frame members. The canopy defines a third catch area. A membrane extends over the first, second, and third catch areas. The membrane stops projectiles hit by a golf club in the first, second, and third catch areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/883,951, titled GOLF PRACTICE APPARATUS, filed on Aug. 7, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Golfers use a variety of golf clubs and swings in order to hit a golf ball with a desired trajectory when playing golf. In some instances, it is desirable to hit the ball to provide a maximum distance such as when teeing off. In other instances, it is desirable to hit the ball to land and quickly stop such as when hitting the ball near the putting green where it is desirable for the ball to stop quickly with little or no roll.

Golf requires vigorous practice in order to develop a proper technique for a variety of different golf swings. In some instances where the ball is not properly hit, the ball is shanked causing the ball to have a sharp right or left trajectory instead of a straight trajectory. For example, attempting different golf ball trajectories with different types of golf clubs and swing lengths can result in errant, shanked shots.

Generally, golfers practice their golf swings at a designated practice area such as a driving range that can either be a part of a golf course or a stand-alone facility. However, driving ranges are inconvenient because they are located a distance away from a golfer's home or office, and sometimes it is not possible for the golfer to travel to the driving range. Furthermore, outdoor driving ranges can be closed due to weather.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to a golf practice apparatus. In one possible configuration, the golf practice apparatus defines a target shot area that is configured to stop a projectile from flop, lob, pitch, and bunker golf club swings.

In one aspect, a golf practice apparatus comprises a first frame member defining a first catch area, a second frame member connected to the first frame member, the second frame member defining a second catch area, and a canopy including a support member connected to the first and second frame members. The canopy defines a third catch area. A membrane extends over the first, second, and third catch areas. The membrane is configured to stop projectiles hit by a golf club in the first, second, and third catch areas.

In another aspect, a golf practice apparatus comprises a first frame member defining a first catch area; a second frame member connected to the first frame member to fold between closed and open positions, the second frame member defining a second catch area; a support member connected to the first and second frame members, the support member defining a third catch area when the first and second frame members are in the open position, the third catch area bounded by the support member and the first and second frame members, and the third catch area being a target shot area; and a membrane extending over the first, second, and third catch areas, the membrane configured to stop projectiles hit by a golf club in the first, second, and third catch areas.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a golf practice apparatus that can be used to practice one or more types of golf shots.

FIG. 2 shows first and second frame members in an open position according to one example of the golf practice apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows the first and second frame members of the example golf practice apparatus of FIG. 2 in a folded position.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the example golf practice apparatus of FIG. 2 assembled with a membrane attached thereto.

FIG. 5 shows another isometric view of the golf practice apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of another example of the golf practice apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a support post according to the example golf practice apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows first and second frame members in the open position according to another example of the golf practice apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows the first and second frame members of the example golf practice apparatus of FIG. 8 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of a first attachment point that receives a first end of a support member according to an example of the golf practice apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows an example golf practice apparatus spaced from a mat.

FIG. 12 shows a front isometric view of another example of the golf practice apparatus that can be used to practice one or more types of golf shots.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of the golf practice apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a rear isometric view of the golf practice apparatus of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a golf practice apparatus 100 that can be used both indoors and outdoors to practice one or more types of golf shots. The golf practice apparatus 100 can be used to practice short game, finesse shots including partial swing shots. For example, the golf practice apparatus 100 can be used to practice shots less than 100 yards which require the golfer to use varying lengths of back swings, and a variety of different golf club wedges. The golf practice apparatus 100 is designed to receive a variety of different ball trajectories allowing the golfer to practice the variety of different golf shots, and build muscle memory for less than full swing shots.

The golf practice apparatus 100 includes a first frame member 102 that defines a first catch area 106. A second frame member 104 is connected to the first frame member 102 by one or more joints 118, and defines a second catch area 108. The golf practice apparatus 100 includes a canopy 112 having a support member 114 connected to the first and second frame members 102, 104. The canopy 112 defines a third catch area 110. In certain examples, the first and second catch areas 106, 108 are orientated to be substantially perpendicular to the ground, and the third catch area is orientated to be substantially parallel to the ground during using of the golf practice apparatus 100.

A membrane 116 extends over the first, second, and third catch areas. The membrane 116 absorbs the kinetic energy from projectiles such as golf balls shot at the golf practice apparatus 100. For example, the membrane 116 stops golf balls hit by a golf club. The first and second catch areas 106, 108 provide shank protection.

A “shank” is an errant shot from a golf club swing that causes a golf ball to have a sharp right or left trajectory instead of a desired straight trajectory. For example, a shank from a right-handed golf club swing causes a golf ball to travel in a sharp right trajectory, and a shank from a left-handed golf club swing causes a golf ball to travel in a sharp left trajectory. In addition to a sharp right or left trajectory, a shank causes a golf ball to travel at a low height instead of a desirable high-arching trajectory. A shank can occur when the hosel of the golf club strikes the golf ball instead of the face of the golf club.

The first and second catch areas 106, 108 provide shank protection via the membrane 116 which absorbs the kinetic energy from the golf balls shot at the golf practice apparatus 100. Accordingly, the golf practice apparatus 100 stops golf balls from errant shank shots in the first and second catch areas 106, 108.

The third catch area 110 provides target shot protection. In some instances, the third catch area 110 is a target shot area on the golf practice apparatus 100 that can be targeted by a user to aim a projectile such as a golf ball.

The third catch area 110 in the canopy 112 stops golf balls from flop shots via the membrane 116. A flop shot is a type of golf shot that causes a golf ball to have maximum height on the ball's trajectory so that when the ball lands it quickly stops with little or no roll. Advantageously, the golf practice apparatus 100 combines the third catch area 110 (i.e., a target shot area) and the shank protection in the first and second catch areas 106, 108 in a single apparatus. Advantageously, the golf practice apparatus 100 eliminates he need for shank protection provided separately from the target shot area.

The structure of the first and second frame members 102, 104 allows the golf practice apparatus 100 to be ambidextrous such that the golf practice apparatus 100 is configurable to stop golf balls from both left-handed and right-handed golf swings. For example, FIG. 12 shows the golf practice apparatus 100 set up for a left-handed golfer. In some examples, an angle between the first frame member 102 and the second frame member 104 can be adjusted by the one or more joints 118 to customize the golf practice apparatus 100 for left-handed or right-handed golf swings.

As an illustrative example, the first catch area 106 provides shank protection for right-handed golf club swings while the second catch area 108 provides shank protection for left-handed golf club swings. The third catch area 110 stops projectiles from both left-handed and right-handed golf club swings. In certain embodiments, the third catch area 110 stops projectiles from flop, lob, pitch, and bunker golf club swings.

FIG. 2 shows the first and second frame members 102, 104 according to one example embodiment of the golf practice apparatus 100. In FIG. 2, the support member 114 and the membrane 116 are removed, and the first and second frame members 102, 104 are exposed. As shown, a first attachment point 132 receives a first end of the support member 114 to attach the support member 114 to the first frame member 102. A second attachment point 134 receives a second, opposite end of the support member 114 to attach the support member 114 to the second frame member 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first frame member 102 and the second frame member 104 are connected together by the one or more joints 118. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the golf practice apparatus 100 does not include a central support post that extends between the joints 118 connecting the first and second frame members 102, 104. Rather, the first and second frame members 102, 104 are connected together by the joints 118 without any additional structure between the frame members. By not including a central support post between the first and second frame members 102, 104, a potential structure that can be hit by a projectile such as a golf ball and that can cause the projectile to ricochet is eliminated from the design of the golf practice apparatus 100. Also, the weight of the golf practice apparatus 100 is reduced by eliminating a central support post.

In certain embodiments, the joints 118 lift the first and second frame members 102, 104 at an angle with respect to the ground to the improve the stability of the golf practice apparatus 100 when in an open position 120 a. For example, FIGS. 2 and 4 show the lower member of the second frame member 104 lifted off the ground by the lower joint 118 such that the second frame member 104 is angled with respect to the ground. FIG. 7 shows another example of the second frame member 104 lifted off the ground. The angle toward the ground can improve the stability of the apparatus when in the open position 120 a, and help to improve the absorption of the kinetic force of a projectile.

In certain embodiments, the joints 118 cause the first and second frame members 102, 104 to be offset with respect to one another. For example, the upper member of the second frame member 104 is raised with respect to the upper member of the first frame member 102. In alternative embodiments, the upper members of the first and second frame members 102, 104 are even and level with one another.

The joints 118 enable the first and second frame members 102, 104 to pivot with respect to one another to adjust an angle between the first and second catch areas 106, 108. For example, during use, the first frame member 102 and the second frame member 104 can be positioned with respect to one another at an angle between 180 degrees and 30 degrees to define the angle between the first and second catch areas 106, 108. In some further examples, the first frame member 102 and the second frame member 104 can be positioned with respect to one another at an angle between 135 degrees and 45 degrees to define the angle between the first and second catch areas 106, 108.

The one or more joints 118 allow the first and second frame members 102, 104 to pivot from the open position 120 a to a folded position 120 b (see FIG. 3), and to pivot from the folded position 120 b to the open position 120 a. FIG. 2 shows an example of the first and second frame members 102, 104 in the open position 120 a. When in the open position 120 a, the golf practice apparatus 100 is self-standing such that it does not need to be secured to the ground or weighted down when being used indoors or outdoors.

FIG. 3 shows the first and second frame members 102, 104 of the golf practice apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 in a folded position 120 b. FIG. 3 also shows an embodiment of the golf practice apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8 having the first and second frame members 102, 104 in the folded position 120 b. Thus, FIG. 3 shows two golf practice apparatuses that are both in the folded position 120 b and in a stacked arrangement. When in the folded position 120 b, the golf practice apparatus 100 can be conveniently stored behind a door, or in a closet, storage area, or other confined space.

The golf practice apparatus 100 is portable such that it can be moved about different locations. In certain examples, the golf practice apparatus 100 can be partially disassembled so that it can be inserted inside a storage bag to enhance its portability.

In certain embodiments, the support member 114 is foldable when the first and second frame members 102, 104 pivot from the open position 120 a to the folded position 120 b, and can extend into an arched shape when the first and second frame members 102, 104 pivot from the folded position 120 b to the open position 120 a.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views of the golf practice apparatus 100 when assembled. The membrane 116 is connected to the support member 114 of the canopy 112. The membrane 116 is also connected to the first and second frame members 102, 104. A variety of different techniques can be used to attach the membrane 116 to the first and second frame members 102, 104, and to the support member 114 of the canopy 112.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, one or more clamps 140 are used to secure the membrane 116 to the first and second frame members 102, 104. In other examples, the membrane 116 slides over the first and second frame members 102, 104. In further examples, the membrane 116 is tied to the first and second frame members 102, 104.

In some examples, the membrane 116 is removable from the first and second frame members 102, 104, and the support member 114 of the canopy 112. For example, the clamps 140 can be used to detach the membrane 116. When secured to the golf practice apparatus 100, the membrane 116 extends over first, second, and third catch areas 106, 108, and 110. In some examples, the membrane 116 is a netting.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of the golf practice apparatus 100 that includes a support post 122 that extends between the joints 118 connecting the first and second frame members 102, 104. The support post 122 is connected to the joints 118 such that the support post 122 does not interfere with the pivoting of the first and second frame members 102, 104. For example, the support post 122 can be connected to the joints 118 by an interference fit or an interlocking snap-fit. The support post 122 can provide additional structural integrity to the golf practice apparatus 100 for withstanding the forces absorbed by the membrane 116 from the projectiles shot at the apparatus.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an example of the golf practice apparatus 100 that includes protective foam padding 128 on at least one of the first and second frame members 102, 104. In some examples, the protective foam padding 128 can also be included on the support post 122. Advantageously, the protective foam padding 128 absorbs the kinetic forces from the projectiles that are shot at the golf practice apparatus 100 such that the golf balls do not ricochet off the apparatus. The protective foam padding 128 also reduces the noise that is generated when a projectile such as a golf ball strikes the first and second frame members 102, 104, or support post 122. The ability to absorb kinetic forces and reduce noise generated from projectiles striking the first and second frame members 102, 104, or support post 122 can be especially advantageous when the golf practice apparatus 100 is used indoors such as in a home or office space.

In FIG. 8, the embodiment of the golf practice apparatus 100 having the protective foam padding 128 is shown in the open position 120 a. In FIG. 9, this embodiment of the golf practice apparatus 100 is shown in the folded position 120 b. Additionally, the embodiment of the golf practice apparatus 100 having the protective foam padding 128 is shown in FIG. 3 in the folded position 120 b.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the first attachment point 132 on the first frame member 102. As shown in FIG. 10, the first attachment point 132 receives a first end of the support member 114 to attach the support member 114 to the first frame member 102. As described above, a second attachment point 134 on the second frame member 104 receives an opposite, second end of the support member 114 to attach the support member 114 to the second frame member 104. The second attachment point 134 can be substantially similar to the first attachment point 132 shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 7, the support member 114 extends in an arched shape between the first and second frame members 102, 104. When in the open position 120 a, the membrane 116 defines the third catch area 110 between the support member 114 and the upper members of the first and second frame members 102, 104.

The arched shape of the support member 114 provides the third catch area 110 with an enlarged surface area for target shot protection. In certain embodiments, the arched shape of the support member 114 provides the third catch area 110 with a concave shape relative to the ground for receiving projectiles such as golf balls that are targeted at the third catch area 110, while the first and second catch areas 106, 108 provide shank protection. Advantageously, the concave shape of the third catch area 110 can absorb the kinetic energy of golf balls that are targeted at the third catch area 110 during use of the golf practice apparatus 100 such as during golf swing practice of flop, lob, pitch, and bunker golf club swings, as well as additional types of golf club swings.

In some examples, the support member 114 is flexible, and the first and second frame members 102, 104 are rigid. In some examples, the first and second frame members 102, 104 are made from plastic, metal, or wood material to support the weight of the golf practice apparatus 100 such that the golf practice apparatus 100 is self-standing when in the open position 120 a.

In some examples, the support member 114 is made from a lightweight metal or plastic material. In some further examples, the support member 114 is made from a memory metal wire. In yet some further examples, the entire frame of the golf practice apparatus 100 including the first and second frame members 102, 104 and the support member 114 is made from a memory metal wire.

FIG. 11 shows the golf practice apparatus 100 during use. As shown in FIG. 11, the golf practice apparatus 100 is spaced from a mat 200 on which a golf ball 202 is positioned. The mat 200 can help to prevent damage to a floor inside an indoor or outdoor space, or damage to a golf club 204 when a user swings the golf club 204 to strike the golf ball 202 positioned on the mat 200. The golf ball 202 can be spaced about 18 to about 20 inches in front of the golf practice apparatus 100. For right-handed golfers, the golf ball 202 can be spaced about 18 to about 20 inches to the left of the first frame member 102. For left-handed golfers, the golf ball 202 can be spaced about 18 to about 20 inches to the right of the second frame member 104. In some instances, such as when used outdoors, the golf practice apparatus 100 can be used without the mat 200.

Additionally, while a golf ball 202 is shown in FIG. 11, a variety of projectiles can be used with the golf practice apparatus 100. For example, in addition to standard golf balls, whiffle balls, foam balls, and the like can be used to practice golf swings with the golf practice apparatus 100. The whiffle balls and foam balls allow the ability to work on technique with different lofted wedges and swing lengths. This can help to build confidence for eventually using regular golf balls with the golf practice apparatus 100, and then taking the short game technique practiced with the golf practice apparatus 100 out on the driving range and golf course with complete confidence.

In one example, a flop shot is practiced by using the golf practice apparatus 100. In this example, the third catch area 110 is a desired target area because the intent of a flop shot is to hit the golf ball 202 to create maximum height on the ball's trajectory. Thus, the membrane 116 can be used to absorb the kinetic energy of the golf ball 202 and stop the golf ball 202 when shot at the third catch area 110 so that the golf ball does not damage any of the surroundings of the golf practice apparatus 100. Additional types of golf shots may be practiced by using the golf practice apparatus 100 including, for example, lob shots, pitch shots, bunker shots, and other types of golf shots.

If the golf ball 202 is mishit by the golf club 204 such that the golf club swing causes the golf ball 202 to have a sharp right or left trajectory with little or no height, the first and second catch areas 106, 108 provide shank protection such that the golf ball 202 does not damage any of the surroundings of the golf practice apparatus 100.

As described above, the golf practice apparatus 100 can be used indoors or outdoors. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the golf practice apparatus 100 is used indoors such that the first, second, and third catch areas 106, 108, and 110 prevent the golf ball 202 from damaging the walls, ceilings, and furnishings of a room.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another example of the golf practice apparatus 100. FIG. 12 shows the golf practice apparatus 100 set up for a left-handed golfer. In the example shown in FIGS. 12-14, the support post 122 includes a leg 124 that further stabilizes the golf practice apparatus 100 relative to the ground. The leg 124 does not interfere with the first and second frame members 102, 104 when pivoted from the open position 120 a to the folded position 120 b, or when pivoted from the folded position 120 b to the open position 120 a. In some examples, the leg 124 is attached to a joint 118 that connects the first and second frame members 102, 104 together. In some examples, the leg 124 is pivotable along with the first and second frame members 102, 104.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf practice apparatus comprising: a first frame member defining a first catch area; a second frame member connected to the first frame member to fold between closed and open positions, the second frame member defining a second catch area; a support member connected to the first and second frame members, the support member defining a third catch area when the first and second frame members are in the open position, the third catch area bounded by the support member and the first and second frame members, and the third catch area being a target shot area; and a membrane extending over the first, second, and third catch areas, the membrane configured to stop projectiles hit by a golf club in the first, second, and third catch areas.
 2. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane in the first and second catch areas provides shank protection from errant golf swings.
 3. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane in the target shot area stops projectiles hit from a flop shot golf swing.
 4. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the golf practice apparatus is configurable for indoor use or outdoor use.
 5. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane stops projectiles from both left-handed and right-handed golf swings.
 6. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane is connected to the support member, the first frame member, and the second frame member.
 7. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the membrane is a netting.
 8. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member extends in an arched shape between the first and second frame members.
 9. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is flexible, and the first and second frame members are rigid.
 10. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are pivotable with respect to one another to adjust an angle between the first and second catch areas.
 11. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are pivotable with respect to one another to adjust an angle between the first and second catch areas, wherein the angle is between 180 degrees and 30 degrees.
 12. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are positioned with respect to one another to adjust an angle between the first and second catch areas, wherein the angle is between 135 degrees and 45 degrees.
 13. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are pivotable with respect to one another to fold from the open position to the folded position, and from the folded position to the open position.
 14. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the golf practice apparatus is self-standing in the open position.
 15. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the golf practice apparatus is portable in the folded position.
 16. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are connected together by one or more joints.
 17. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more joints lift the first and second frame members at an angle with respect to the ground.
 18. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a leg configurable to stabilize the golf practice apparatus to the ground.
 19. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, further comprising protective foam padding on at least one of the first and second frame members and support member.
 20. The golf practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the projectile is a golf ball. 